“I tend to not make plans or set goals. I like to keep myself open to opportunity. That truly is how I’ve made it this far. It just works for me.”
There is often a misconception that the unknown is a bad thing, that not being able to plan or prepare for what’s next could catch you off guard and destroy any chance of becoming your best self. But for #WellaFamily member and hairstylist extraordinaire, Oliver Shortall, this exact method is how he continues to find his true creative genius.
So far, it has worked fabulous for him.
Shortall’s words represent the power of staying open-minded, enjoying the present and accepting the unknown. And not only is his mindset slightly scary and intimidating, but simultaneously exciting and fearless.
Proving excessive planners wrong starts, now.
After two years of studying pre-med in college, Shortall knew it wasn’t his thing. And like many hairdressers, he didn’t know how passionate he was about hair until the industry found him first. Starting out as a receptionist Shortall says, “I quickly realized that Cosmetology was not just ‘making people pretty.’ In this career you must be a scientist, and mathematician, all while being creative. It was a perfect fit for me.” Flawless, if you ask us.
Check out how Oliver has defined his role as a dynamic doer: owning his own salon at just 22-years-young, styling on the Sebastian Urban Design team during NYFW, joining a salon in San Francisco under the tutelage of Diva Poulos, working at The Harlot Salon with one of his most significant role models Marylle Koken and winning Sebastian’s What’s Next Awards. The ability to take advantage of opportunities as they come is something we can all learn to embrace.
Believe it or not, his undertakings don’t stop there. More recently, Shortall joined The Wella Studio LA as a Signature Studio Artist.
“Being a part of The Signature Studio Artist Team, first of all is a huge compliment and honor. I have learned so much from, my now, teammates over the years. Now it’s my time to give back. I am excited to bring in my personal artistic style and grow together as educators, mentors, and artists.”
Wondering what this leading force has to say to artists eager to follow in his footsteps? We’re dying to know too…
“The main thing I want young stylists and peers to take away from my teaching, is that we all must evolve. We are never too good to stop learning, and if we think we are, then it’s time to move on to a new career. I want to bring out peoples’ inner artist and help them grow into the talent they want to be.”
Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
“Over the 10 years of living this lifestyle called hairdressing, I have had a lot of successes. Some smaller than others, but nonetheless, all of them creating who I am, and what I do today.”
For Oliver Shortall, evolving is a lifestyle and one that has led him in a successful direction. What better place to continue to strengthen skills -- with a fearless attitude -- than this epic industry? We can’t wait to see what new opportunities come his way.
